If you are planning a winter road trip, you’re likely thrilled, especially if you are visiting a hill station or an area where it snows. However, before a snowy road trip, you and your car both have to be well-prepared. A road trip in the snowy regions of India can definitely cause a lot of obstacles for you, Including tire problems, car breakdowns and much more! To avoid any roadblocks and ensure you have a smooth sailing Winter Adventure, we have curated this guide. 

So, here’s everything you need to know before you make that trip:

Preparing your car for a Snowy Road Trip

Snowy road trips are all the craze right now, especially to hill stations in Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. However, while they look beautiful and amazing, it’s essential to prepare your car well.  If proper preparation is not done, then there can be instances of your car skidding which might cause a major accident. Being prepared for such journey’s is key because we believe that Prevention is the solution. 

Essential Pre-Trip Vehicle Check

In order to prepare your car for a snowy road trip, doing a pre-trip vehicle check is crucial. There are so many things you need to check before even preparing your car. And it’s important to make a list of these things so you don’t forget or miss out on anything. Thankfully, we’ve simplified that for you – here’s a list of all the things you need for your pre-trip vehicle check: 

Tires:

Winter (or all-season) tires are made to provide good grip on snow and ice-covered roads. They make sure that the tire remains supple even with low temperatures, which provides better traction. The tread patterns are created in such a way that they can easily clear snow, slush, and water, hence drastically decreasing the chances of slipping. If you are going in an area with harsh winters with heavy snow, you should put on a dedicated winter tire as it becomes a must. However, in milder conditions, all-season tires will be good enough.

Cold weather makes tire pressure drop, often by 1-2 PSI, for every 5-7 degrees Celsius the temperature falls. Low tire pressure can cause worse gas mileage, bad handling, and faster wear, especially on icy winter roads. To stay safe, check the tire pressure often in winter and keep it at the PSI the maker suggests. Use a good tire gauge and fix the pressure if needed before embarking on your road trip. Properly filled tires grip the road better and wear evenly, helping them last longer and work well. Checking your tires often, as the weather changes  Is important because changing temperature can alter the tire pressure quickly. 

Battery Health

Before hitting the snowy roads, make sure that your car battery is in tip-top shape. Cold weather can reduce battery efficiency, which may make it harder for you to start your vehicle. Check the battery’s charge level along with its terminals for corrosion. Plus, if your battery is over three years old, try having it tested or replaced to avoid an unexpected breakdown. 

Engine Oil & Coolant

Cold weather demands the right engine oil to keep your car running without trouble. It’s best if you treat your car with winter-grade engine oil, as it flows better in lower temperatures, reducing unnecessary stress on your engine. Also check your coolant levels and ensure the mixture has the right ratio of antifreeze to water to prevent freezing. Check for leaks in the cooling system. Make sure that the heater is functioning properly, too.

Must-Have Winter Car Accessories

1. Snow Chains: 

Snow chains are an absolute must on snowy roads. Countless videos have been posted online showing how cars skid very easily on the hill stations where it’s been snowing. Snow chains provide essential traction on icy and snowy roads. They give your tire the much-needed extra grip and give better control while driving. They are especially useful in regions with heavy snowfall and can help prevent accidents on slippery surfaces. It’s a good idea to practice installing them before your trip as well, in order to avoid any confusion at the last moment. Remember to choose chains made for your tire size and always keep them in your boot, as they might come in handy unexpectedly. 

2. Ice Scraper and Snow Brush: 

Both an ice scraper and snow brush should be in your boot as essential car accessories if you’re going to snowy regions of India. It’s needed for clearing frost, ice, and snow off your windshield, windows, and mirrors. Driving with low visibility (due to the frost / snow / ice) can be very dangerous, so always clear all surfaces before hitting the road. If you can find one, go for a dual-purpose tool with a sturdy scraper and soft brush on the other side to avoid scratching your car’s glass or paint.

3. All-Weather Floor Mats 

All-weather floor mats (as the name suggests) are made for all weathers, and they protect your car’s interior from slush, mud, and melted snow. They help  in keeping your car clean from the inside. They’re made of durable, waterproof materials and have raised edges to trap dirt and moisture effectively. They’re easy to clean, and investing in quality mats would not only preserve your car’s resale value but also makes post-trip clean-up hassle-free.

4. Portable Jump Starter 

A portable jump starter will definitely come in handy and will be your lifesaver in freezing temperatures where batteries are prone to failing. Unlike regular jumper cables, a portable jump starter doesn’t need another car to start your car. Many models also come with USB ports for charging devices and built-in flashlights for emergencies. They’re super compact and not that tough to store – make sure you have one especially if you’re planning to go to places where  lesser cars can be expected

Protecting Your Car from the Snow

Snow can take a toll on your car, so taking preventive measures is essential. Here are some tips: 

1. Use a Car Cover:

Invest in a quality car cover to protect your ride from the snow, rain, and everything in between. Make sure it’s waterproof and weatherproof so it can easily prevent build-up of snow on the windshield. An added bonus is that it will protect the paint from scratches caused by ice removal. Make sure the cover is well-fitted and fits snugly because you don’t want it blowing away in strong winds. 

2. Apply Wax or Ceramic Coating 

Coating your car with wax (or ceramic protection) will be an effective way to protect your car from snow. It creates a barrier against the snow and moisture and prevents rust, and paint damage caused by the prolonged exposure to these harsh winter conditions. Remember to apply the coating right before snowfall begins, and ensure your car is clean and dry for maximum effectiveness. Reapplying as needed during winter can keep your vehicle looking pristine and protected!

3. Keep Door Seals Lubricated 

Using silicone spray or a rubber protectant on the door seals to prevent them from freezing shut during snowy weather is definitely a helpful trick if you are planning to go to places with sub-zero temperatures. Moisture can freeze between the seals, making it difficult to open the doors (and in some cases,  cause them jam!). Regular lubrication not only keeps the seals flexible, but also prevents cracking caused by cold temperatures. So make sure to apply the lubricant every few weeks to get rid of potential trouble.

4. Wash Your Car Regularly 

Washing your car every now and then would get rid of slush and grime that can lead to rust and corrosion. Try to focus on cleaning areas like the undercarriage, as it’s most exposed to snow and slush sticking. Use a touchless car wash or a pressure washer to avoid scratching the paint with residual dirt.

Important Driving Tips:

1. Drive Slowly 

Try to keep your speed well below the speed limit and reduce your speed when you’re driving in snowy conditions. If your speed isn’t much to begin with, you’ll have a better time in maintaining control of your vehicle. Plus, slower speeds give you more time to react to sudden changes, such as a car braking. Also keep in mind to adjust your speed based on the visibility and road conditions.

2. Maintain Safe Distances 

Make sure to keep a very safe distance between your car and the vehicle in front to allow for longer stopping times on slippery roads. The usual 3-second rule should be extended to at least 6-8 seconds in snowy conditions. This extra time is absolutely vital in order to brake gently and avoid collisions if the vehicle ahead stops unexpectedly.

3. Avoid Sudden Movements 

Try to avoid sudden movements. Steer, accelerate, and brake gradually and slowly to maintain control on snowy and icy roads. Sudden movements can cause your car to skid and lose traction which may lead to accidents. Take slower turns and avoid sharp steering adjustments or abrupt braking. Just overall, be gentle with handling your car and it will ensure that you have better stability. 

4. Use Low Gears 

Use lower gears than usual when driving in snowy or icy regions. And this is especially true in hill stations when going downhill. Low gears give better traction and prevent your wheels from spinning too much. Many newer cars have a “snow mode” too, so if you have one, now’s the time to use it! Just remember, always use engine braking instead of relying solely on the brakes.

Post-Trip Maintenance

Once you’re back home from your snowy road trip, you need to take care of a few things to make your car normal again.

1. Wash Your Car Thoroughly

After a snowy road trip, chances are that your car is full of snow, slush and mud. Wash your car to restore it to its original shining condition. Pay special attention to the underbody as it collects the most amount of debris. If required, use a  high-pressure wash to reach hidden areas, and dry the car thoroughly to prevent freezing.

2. Inspect Tires 

Check your tires for wear, damage, or embedded debris within the tire tread after the trip. Make sure that your tire has proper tread depth. Also check the tire pressure, as cold temperatures can reduce air pressure in tires. 

3. Check Brakes 

Inspect your brakes for signs of wear or damage, especially if you drove on icy or hilly terrain. Chances are that you braked a lot on snowy roads and your brake pads might be due for a replacement. Moreover, snow and slush can impact brake performance too, so check if they are responsive enough and functioning correctly.

5. Examine Battery and Electricals 

Cold weather strains your car’s battery and puts pressure on electrical systems. While in most cases there’s nothing wrong that happens, it’s still better to test the battery’s charge, clean terminals, and ensure all lights and electrical components are working correctly. 

Summary

Preparing your car thoroughly for a snowy road trip is an absolute must from a safety standpoint. And not just safety – it’s better to have a peace of mind and enjoy your trip without having to worry about your car. Checking your battery health, packing must-have winter accessories, making a check-list and everything in between. Prioritize safety by following driving tips and maintaining your vehicle during and after the trip.

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